Florida designated the official state flagship. Governor Ron DeSantis signed HB 249, redesignating Florida’s official state flagship as the S.S. American Victory, replacing the schooner Western Union.
The S.S. American Victory, built in 1945 in just 55 days, delivered supplies to U.S. forces in World War II and continued service through the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Today, it is permanently docked in Tampa as a museum and memorial.
“I was proud to sign HB 249 to designate Florida’s new state flagship, the S.S. American Victory,” said Republican Governor Ron DeSantis. “This historic steamship is one of just a few surviving Victory Class ships built during World War II. As we commemorate the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding this year, it’s a great time to visit our new state flagship in Tampa.”…